#wait is there a fancy one for dorlene??? I don’t think there is. now I want one.

[marvelomadness06]

WHAT IS UR FAVOURITE MARAUDERS SHIP ???

I’m acc so interested to know ppls opinions and if anyone has any fic recs Cus I’m ngl, I’ll read almost any ship if it’s written well enough

[honeycomb-cinammonroll]

YOU WISH - S. B

SUMMARY: (Y/N) bowed to never fall for Sirius Black, he however bowed to convince her into going out with him, one of them was going to have to give up at any moment.

PAIRING: Sirius Black x fem!reader. (She/her) pronouns.

WORD COUNT: 1.2k

WARNINGS: Fluff. A happy ending. Dorlene. Jily vibes.

REQUEST: can u write a young sirius x reader based on this tiktok i feel like u’d write it so good https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJvAqPqB/ ☺️

A/N: Hello Anon! So, I am very sorry this took so long, but I hope it meets your expectations. Enjoy!

“Hello (Y/N), Fancy meeting you here,” Sirius Black did not consider himself much of a relationship kind of guy. Sure, he had one or two partners before, but nothing you could call serious. (Pun intended) Still, when he first saw you, he was intrigued. But years of flirting taught him that you weren't interested. Yet. “In the class we've taken together for six years? Yes, what a coincidence.”

Behind him, Sirius could hear the laughter of James echoing across the potions classroom. He sent a deadly glare to Prongs before sitting down next to you, and all you could do was roll your eyes. “Is there anything I can help you with, Black?”

He wore that smirk that drove everyone into a blushing mess, you included, of course he was charming, he was Sirius fucking Black for Merlin’s sake! But physical beauty wasn't enough to grab your attention. “Go out with me, (Y/N)”

For a second, Sirius thought that you would say yes, there was a small smile playing on your lips, but once your eyes met his, he knew what your answer would be. “Lovely offer, but I’ll pass.”

You grabbed your notebooks along with the potions book and got up from your seat, leaving Sirius alone while James was cracking up in the background. “Shut up, prongs!”

✧✧✧

Your favorite place in Hogwarts was an abandoned classroom that you and your friends had turned into a sanctuary, it was decorated with Christmas lights, warm blankets and a comfortable couch. As well as protected with a simple charm so that no other students stumbled upon it.

Marlene and Dorcas were both sharing a love seat, they kept chatting while you just sat there, reading a new chapter of the book you were currently obsessed with.

There was a knock in the door. knock…knock…knock… You knew it was Lily, so happily you ran to the door and opened it. “Lily! …and Potter?”

She shot you a look that said I’ll explain later. So, you opened the door, only to find the four marauders waiting, they rapidly got in, and closed the door behind them just in time for you to hear the screams of the professor they had pranked.

“Why are you helping them?” You asked, trying to calm your tone of voice even if you were furious with Lily for showing them your secret spot. She threw you an apologetic smile, but it was James that answered. “Because, she agreed to go on a date with me and I couldn’t be stuck in detention.”

He wrapped his arm around her and you huffed, Traitor. You hated Sirius and she hated James, you were supposed to hate them together, but the look of happiness in her eyes made you smile. After all, you just wanted your friend to be happy.

“(Y/N) any plans for the weekend?” Asked Peter, you could see him sending a knowing look to Sirius, but you chose to ignore it and sat down next to Remus and Peter, just in front of the grey eyed boy who couldn’t take his eyes off you.

“Well, Marlene and Dorcas are going on a date and I was planning on spending the day with Lily, but since she’s going to abandon me for Potter, I guess I’ll just wander around Hogsmeade.” You smiled kindly at Peter and Remus, and tried to continue on with your reading.

Your smile disappeared the moment Sirius appeared next to you, that signature smirk plastered on his face. “So,” oh, no. “Fancy a trip to Hogsmeade? Maybe we could do a double date!”

You tried your hardest not to smile, and looked him dead in the eyes. “How about…No. I’m sure any other girl in Hogwarts would be honored though.”

You grabbed your book along with your backpack and left the room. Sirius Black was a player, he just needed someone else to fool around with. But you knew that if you allowed yourself to fall for him, the only result would be heartbreak.

✧✧✧

Hogsmeade during the winter was your favorite place in the world. It was magical in every way possible, one of the few places where the magical community could just be themselves.

You walked through the small town, buying new quills and some sweets at Honeydukes, you even visited the pet store and played with some Nifflers. All of that left you exhausted, so after a few hours, you decided a butterbeer wasn't the worst idea.

That's how you found yourself at the Three Broomsticks, Butterbeer in hand while you leaned against the bar, observing the people walking by. You could see Lily and James, both of them geekingly nervous, Marlene and Dorcas on the other hand were at the stage in their relationship where they didn’t care who saw them making out.

Your eyes landed on him, and a frown made its way onto your face. Sirius Black was surrounded by a group of girls, some of them you recognized from Quidditch practice or Herbology class. They were clearly flirting with him, but the fact that he was looking at you and not them made you feel butterflies in your stomach.

He was walking towards you, butterbeer in hand, leaving all of them speechless. “Black, I see you're enjoying your evening.” You raised your eyebrows, thinking that by then he had realized you weren't interested and could move on. “I don't get it. We could've had a great time together, and you turned me down to spend the day alone.”

You had gathered your purse and your jacket, walking towards the door, however, Sirius was right behind you. “I quite like to be alone, I don't need a fanbase that follows me around.”

He got a hold of your hand, and turned you around, the look in his eyes showed you he was being serious. “Is that what this is about? Are you jealous?”

“You wish!” A bitter laugh escaped your lips. “I just don’t understand why you keep asking me out and then flirting with any other living girl in Hogwarts, maybe even Myrtle.” He was getting closer and closer, your cheeks were flushed red, and it wasn't because of the cold, but because of the close proximity.

“I don't pay attention to any of them, all I want is a chance to show you that I'm not half as bad as you think I am.” You could feel his breath hitting against your neck, you could only hope he didn't notice your shaky breathing, although you could feel that smirk from a mile away. “Just one date, (Y/N)”

You took a second to try and think clearly, but your answer surprised the both of you. “Okay, one date. Not my fault if you blow it.” He smiled, and for the first time in forever, you smiled at him as well. “Great, how about tomorrow, or maybe we could…”

Before he carried on, you place your hand in his mouth, causing him to sound muffled. “No, Black. We are going to have that date now, and we're going to start by going to Madam Puddifoot’s tea shop and make fun of every couple there.”

Sirius smirk was plastered on his face, he got a hold of your hand and laughed. “Oh, you are perfect.” As you walked through the frozen path of Hogsmeade, you couldn't help but wish that this was the first of many dates together.

[moonyandsaturn]

Paper Rings

little dorlene fic that you can also read here

The moon was high, hanging in the night sky with smoking smells flowing to it. Out the window into the midnight streets.

“I’m not sure this is exactly how I want to meet your friends.”

“What do you mean this is perfect!” Lily smiled.

Dorcas looked around at the abnormally large flat. The walls were covered in nicely printed wallpaper and slightly dusty frames hung paintings Dorcas couldn't remember from any of their art history classes.

“Geez, this place is giant,” Dorcas whistled as Lily continued dragging her up the stairs. The sound of laughter from a higher room (with even higher people in it) was made clearer.

“Yeah, Sirius is a rich asshole,” Lily replied, earning a laugh from her. “Even painted all those paintings himself because he wanted to be original,” she mocked.

“Ha! So who's all here?”

“Oh so there's Remus who you’ve met. Then this is Sirius’ place so obviously he’d here. And then we have James of course.” James was Lily’s fiance. They got engaged about 2 months ago and the wedding would come along soon enough.

“Is that it?”

“No, there's Marlene too. You’ve probably seen her around. She's on the volleyball team.” Dorcas shook their head not remembering any of that. “Well, that's fine anyway they're over here.”

Lily opened the door to a large room. It was sort of a lounge room, it had a TV and all that. Normally they wouldn't be upstairs though.

The two of them entering earned a few “Heyyys!!” and “It was about time you guys got here!” James got up to give Lily a kiss before leading both of them over to the couch they were all on, Remus was already rolling a joint for them.

“Dorcas right?” they looked up at the person asking. She must be Marlene . The girl talking had dirty blonde hair pinned up in a messy low bun. She was wearing a much too large brown leather jacket with a band tee and jeans as well.

“Um, yeah. They/she,” Dorcas had grown accustomed to just telling people their pronouns as a greeting. It just made things much easier.

Marlene smiled back. It had a sort of crookedness to it, in between a smirk and a grin. “She/her.” Dorcas nodded back as she received the fag from Remus.

The talking went long into the night, or morning that is. It was an interesting group of people. Marlene and Sirius were probably the more extroverted and outspoken out of them, though Sirius was kind of whipped and would shut up if Remus said so. Marlene seemed to just constantly flirt with her. Dorcas understood it may just be how her personality seems to her but sometimes it got annoying. Of course she already met Lily and James long ago and didn't learn anything new about them.

Marlene seemed especially interested in her dating life.

“Yeah, and then we broke up. They were pretty nice but it just didn't make sense for us to be together.”

“they?” Marlene looked up from her phone. looks like she was listening

“yeah, me and my partner.”

“Ever dated a girl before?”

“Maybe” Dorcas winked and turned back to finish her story.

By maybe that meant never, and Dorcas was simply playing the pronoun game. Dorcas did have a preference for girls right but they had only dated guys up till now. 3 actually. First was her high school boyfriend that lasted 5 months, Charlie Robeson. Charlie came out as trans several years later so maybe Dorcas should have said her high school girlfriend . 2nd was Gideon Prewitt. They dated for 2 years. Two years of her life wasted really. Dorcas shook the thought from their head. Gideon was a douchebag who could go fuck himself. Her last boyfriend wasn't really a boyfriend at all, they fake dated to get someone else jealous. Ah, yes fake-dating Remus Lupin was probably the best out of her romantic encounters, excluding the part when him and Sirius forgot to lock the bathroom door and Dorcas happened to walk in at the wrong time.

They got into the elevator up to her flat. It was eerily silent at this hour of the morn, creepy almost. She played with her keys for a moment, trying to find the right one before pushing the door open to her modest flat.

Dorcas tossed themself onto her bed kicking the duvet over her body, snoring lightly to sleep and the sun started making colorful patterns in the sky.

☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾

“Oh, come on Meadowes! Surely you must like me a little after 2 months!”

“Marlene, you’ve been asking me out as a joke for 2 months. sorry I’m not looking to get humiliated!”

Dorcas could hear Marlene catching up to her, a stupid fucking smirk playing on her lips. “What if it's not a joke?”

“Then we wouldn't really be here, huh?” Dorcas said, pulling her bag tighter to her.

“Just a small dinner! You don't even need to come home with me.”

“What a generous offer,” Dorcas rolled their eyes.

“Oh, you know I'm joking,” Marlene smiled, walking backwards to try to keep up with her. “Come on, what's your favorite food? We can go get that when you're free.”

Dorcas sighed and stopped to face Marlene, she was only a couple inches taller than her. Maybe 5’10 or 11. “What about when you’re free?”

Marlene beamed. “Anytime is good.”

“Not now it is, get your ass over here McKinnon! Actually go get the ball then come back!” A booming coach's voice came from the volleyball court.

Marlene bent down to pick up the ball and gave Dorcas a little two fingered salute before running back to the court. “See you later, Meadowes! For dinner!!”

“Hey! That wasn't a yes!” Dorcas called back to her, not receiving a response and shaking her head as she walked away.

Neither of them had each other's phone number so it's fine. To be quite honest, Dorcas wouldn't mind a date. Marlene was attractive and funny, just very very persistent. She could be compared to James in high school, poor Lily.

Dorcas took her thoughts away from their almost date and walked over to the bus stop to meet up with some people for her group project. They convinced everyone to meet up at their favorite coffee shop. Dorcas was unreasonably excited to get some coffee in her system, specifically mocha with some foam and chocolate drizzle on top.

Curse you Remus, now I'm addicted to shit Dorcas thought as she drank almost the entire thing under 5 minutes. She got her things out to wait for the others.

she got home at a decent time, just as the moon rose and the sun set. Dorcas made themself some popcorn to watch a movie with.

Ding! Dorcas checked the microwave but the popcorn wasn't done. Ding! She realized it was her phone and picked it off the counter to see the messages from an unknown number.

Marlene: Hey I thought we were gonna have dinner :(

Marlene: also don't hate me Lily was the one who gave me your number after she saw me stalking you

Marlene: also this is Marlene probably should have said that first so you don't think I'm a creep

Dorcas: You are a creep

Marlene: ouch

Marlene: I thought you liked me Meadowes

Dorcas: I never said that

Marene: Maybe you’re in denial ;))

Dorcas: hmmm let me think

Dorcas: no

Marlene: :((((

Marlene: well now that I can text you when are you free?

Dorcas: you really are annoying aren't you?

Marlene: nah just know what i want

Marlene: soooo????

Dorcas: I'm watching a movie right now

Marlene: ok?

Dorcas: ok so you can come over you persistent arse

Dorcas: you can get my address from lily too creepy

Marlene: is that my new nickname??

Marlene: I deal with the name calling just for you, see you in a minute :))

Dorcas sighed and looked over at the microwaved that was now smoking and smelled of burnt popcorn. She cleaned it up and opened up the windows before enjoying watching some stupid reels on instagram.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Marlene grinned at Dorcas opened the door.

“Har, har,” she deadpanned and let her inside.

“What's that?”

Marlene set a bag on top of Dorcas’ dining table. She didn't answer and instead pulled out one of those bags of sweet people normally bought at halloween.

Dorcas laughed at the size of it. “I don't think we’ll be able to eat all that.”

“That's what you think. I could survive solely off of starbursts,” Marlene replied.

“The orange ones are the best.”

Marlene turned to face them with her mouth open with disgust. “Those are the worst ones!”

“No, the worst ones are pink.”

“I think we need your senses checked, love. There's definitely something wrong with your taste.” Marlene moved closer and Dorcas’ cheeks warmed up at the pet name.

“C’mon I just got Disney plus so we can watch something on there.”

Marlene followed Dorcas to her couch giddily, “Oooo, I vote for Princess and the Frog.” She plopped down on the other side of the couch and Dorcas tossed her a blanket.

“Yeah, okay. Princess and the frog and Mulan are probably my favorites.” She got the remote to turn the TV on.

“Well, maybe your taste isn't all that damaged,” Marlene smiled before turning to watch the movie.

Movie rolled for the full 1 hour and 38 minutes and for part of the credits. The two didn't talk much only making comments here and there, laughing at things they thought funny and pointing when something interesting happened.

“I would die to have something like Ray and Evangeline.”

Dorcas looked over at Marlene who was still watching the credits rolling in tune with the background music.

“The firefly and the star?”

Marlene faced her once again.“Mhm, yeah. I’d wait my whole life for that.”

“Yeah, it's sweet isn't it? How much he cared.”

“Mhm,” Dorcas’ breath hitched. they didn't know whether they were moving closer or if it was Marlene. Oh, it was Marlene and how welcome the closeness was.

Dorcas closed the small gap between their faces. Place a light kiss on the girls lips. When she pulled away only a second later Marlene still had her eyes closed, a soft smile set on her face. She opened up her eyes to see Dorcas who probably looked like a nervous wreck. Marlene's smile broadened.

“Can I kiss you?”

Dorcas fought back her own smile before sitting up and pushing their lips together again, this time less unsure.

They were like that for a long time, hands running in each other's hair (which Dorcas was surprised her curls didn't get tangled in). Pulling each other closer by the neck, running thumbs over soft cheeks.

They eventually pulled apart to breathe. “I wasn't expecting that till maybe the third date.”

“Not’s not a date,” Dorcas held in a laugh and looked away from Marlene who was eyeing her.

“Of course not. Not after you insult pink starbursts,” Marlene said before turning her back to Dorcas, claiming a spot on her lap, sort of using Dorcas as a back rest. they didn't mind. It was the perfect height. Dorcas lifted their chin onto her head and wrapped their arms around her shoulders. She quickly places a kiss into her hair before letting the night's sleep take over them.

☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾

1 year later:

Dorcas blinked herself awake.

“Morning.”

They looked up at Marlene who had her arm around her head. “Morning. Did I oversleep?”

She looked away from the book she was reading. Ever since Dorcas moved in They’d been reading all the books on her bedside table and now Marlene had to catch up. “No, think you got a bit of a cold, sorry.”

“It's okay,” Dorcas closed her eyes again, feeling comfortable in their girlfriends embrace.

The night before the whole gang took a trip to the beach. At night. Cause they were all utterly stupid. Marlene went into the ocean first urging everyone else to also. James jumped in after free to wallow in his youth and was happy to get a break from babysitting. Harry was an amazing kid but his godfather was also Sirius so Harry too was a bit chaotic. Dorcas eventually joined everyone in the freezing water, Dorcas could have sworn they turned blue.

Marlene turned abruptly, causing Dorcas’ head to fall back on the pillow which wasn't nearly as comfortable as her. “Would you ever want to live together?”

Well, thats an odd conversation starter. Dorcas laughed. “We already are.”

“No, I know that. I mean when we're out of uni, working and all that.”

“Oh, I never thought of that.”

“I’m just saying we don't have to decide I just thought maybe-”

“I never said I didn't want to,” Dorcas cut her off before Marlene started rambling. “I think it would be nice.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Yeah, so stop worrying, creepy,” she laughed.

Marlene gave them a deadpan expression. “When are you gonna stop calling me that!”

“Never,” Dorcas grinned. “Sooo, would you just wanna live together or?”

Marlene laid back down, looking at the ceiling and Dorcas leaned over her. “I don't know. We could drive away and live in the country maybe. We can work from home so our dreary Mondays aren't so dreary.”

Darcas laid down next to her. “We’re bound to have fights and stuff, though.”

“That's fine,” Marlene faced her, but didn't move her body. “We wouldn't be able to be happy if we’re not angry sometimes.”

Dorcas sat up again, pulling Marlene up with her. “Would you ever want to get married?”

Marlene rolled her tongue on the inside of her cheek. “Yeah. Don't have that much money though. Can't get you anything shiny and nice like you deserve.”

Dorcas took Marlene’s hands in theirs.“I hate accidents but you know? I didn't really mind it when we went from friends to this. You’re the one I want, Marlene McKinnon. And I’d marry you with paper rings.”

[thereluctantinquisitor]

"Do you need to vent?" Dorlen! Or whoever you want lol

Pavellan. Dorian Pavus x Varlen Lavellan 

(Approx 1400 words, most under the cut)

When Dorian opened the door to Varlen’s room, the last thinghe expected was for a boot to come flying at his head.

With barely a moment to think, he ducked fast, and theleather projectile kissed the air mere millimetres from Dorian’s cheek. He heard itthud heavily against the wall, its dull impact echoing through the adjacent corridor.

“Well,” Dorian began shortly, standing back up and straightening hisrobe with an air of affronted dignity. “Nice to see you too.”

“Dorian! I didn’t–I wasn’t–!” Varlen’s spluttered reply was almost as amusing asthe man himself, standing there half-dressed and so red-faced he might as well wait until morning to rise with the sun. His newly bare foot hovered off the ground, as though he was reluctant to press it to thefloorboards. Dorian couldn’t say he blamed him. Over the course of the evening,they’d all heard rumours of how Orlesians passed the time. Most methods seemed to takeplace on the floor. Or on a table. Or against a window.

“I’m sorry, vhenan,” Varlen continued hurriedly, hopping a few stepstowards Dorian before seemingly changing his mind and steadying himself on the footof the bed. “If I’d heard you coming, I wouldn’t have—”

“— Flying footwear…” Dorian interrupted suddenly, strolling into the room, his eyes flicking discerningly around the luscious space. “Abroken bottle… torn parchment… carelessly discarded clothes…” He stopped afew paces from Varlen, his gaze finally coming to rest on the silver-hairedman. “Do you need to vent, amatus?”

It was, apparently, possible for Varlen’s face to turn an even deeper shade of crimson. He shifted with awkward stiffness, one foot stillhovering a few inches from the ground, before almost reluctantly touching downonto the polished wood. “It’s stupid,” he muttered sullenly, not meeting Dorian’sgaze. “Really. I thought I was alone, otherwise…”

Dorian sighed as Varlen trailed off. As much as he cared for him, he could be soimpossible sometimes. Stubborn. Then again, he’d be lying if he said it hadn’t been a large part of what drew him to the elven man. Whatcould he say? He liked the challenge of someone willing to stand their ground.

“Well, you aren’talone, and it just so happens that I am a wonderful listener. It would be quite theshame to waste my services, wouldn’t you agree?” The whimsical tone Dorian hadchosen was meant to disarm an opponent. At least, according to his formal debating teacher back inMinrathous. A haughty crone of a woman, but she had known hercraft better than some Imperial Magisters. Of course, this was no battle of wits, and Varlen was no enemy, butsuffice to say a clever lilt of the voice or turn of phrase often worked just aswell in any situation.

True to expectation, something about Varlen relaxedslightly. Not the loose-armed relaxation of a newly unburdened man. It was more subtle than that. He raisedhis chin ever so slightly and allowed himself to meet Dorian’s eye.

“Are you going to charge me?”

Dorian cocked an eyebrow. “… For?”

“Your listeningservices.”

His own bark of laughter took Dorian by surprise, but he was evenmore pleased when it coaxed a small smile from Varlen’s otherwise sullen face. “For you, amatus? Not at all.Now, sit. Tell me what happened so I can coo gently and stroke your hair.”

Varlen rolled his eyes, hesitated, then sat down on the edgeof the bed. Doing his best to be humble in victory, Dorian strolled over andjoined him, the mattress bowing beneath their combined weight. A part of Dorian yearned to make another smart remark, but he stopped himself just in time. He could beselfish like that. A flaw he worked on a little each day. But the greater problem still hung heavy in theair. Whatever that problem was, it was not Dorian’s. He would have to discoverit one word at a time.

“This whole day has just been�� hard,” Varlen began suddenly,almost forcefully, as though he could no longer contain the bitter words. “I don’tunderstand how Riven did it. Dealt withit. Fenedhis, I could run off and hide whenever I needed a break, but shewas center-stage. The eye of the storm. Everyone knew when she went missing. They whispered about it likeshe was off skinning cats behind a building!”

“Well, as you do,” Dorian joked lightly, although he could feel hisbrow attempting to draw into a frown. Varlen huffed humourlessly and leaned forward, bracinghis forearms on his thighs, hands clasped tightly in front of him.

“Four times, I was asked to fetch wine, you know. Twice Iwas scolded for ‘slacking off’. Then for minglingwith the guests. I mean, coming down to Ferelden, sure, there were times when I feltlike I was… I don’t know… lesser. Buthere? I was a stain, Dorian. It felt like everyonejust wanted to get rid of me.”

“Or dance,” Dorian offered helpfully. Varlen snorted.

“Or dance,” he agreed resentfully, nose wrinkling in distaste. “I mean… come on. Tell me how that makes any sense?”

Dorian breathed in long and deep, then let it out with a rushing sigh, shoulders sinking with the motion. “You’d be rather surprised whatpeople are willing to overlook to serve their own desires, amatus. Especially courtiers and nobility,I’m afraid. Rather egocentric lot. Accustomed to getting what they want whenthey want it. Snap their fingers. Ring a bell. I blame the parents.” Glancingacross, Dorian studied Varlen. The stiffness of his back, the despondent angle of his chin, the uncertain tilt of his brow. Varlen just studied his hands. “For some, theirparched throat led them to look at you and see a servant. For others… well, if I may, you didlook rather dashing. Anappreciation for beauty is quite the hallmark of Orlesian culture, however undeservedthat reputation might actually be. Some would be more than willing to risk theirreputation for the chance to be spin around by a handsome man in a well-tailored suit.”

Head still bowed, Varlen snorted derisively. “Risk theirreputation? Gee, that makes me feel somuch better. Thank you, Dorian. You really do have a way with words.” He glanced across almostaccusingly. “I thought you were supposed to make me feel better? Stroke my hair and stuff?”

“Now now, I’m not finished,” Dorianreprimanded gently. At first, it seemed like Varlen wanted to argue, or possibly even stalk off, buthe remained silent and still despite his obvious irritation. Tread lightly, Dorian thought warily. You’re walking a very fine line here. “Amatus… I know it is hard to hear, but it is the truth. People judge us from the moment wewalk into a room. Sometimes beforethat, depending on how fast news travels. In a place like this, all we can hopeto do is as little damage as possible. Someone has to put the cause first, after all. It seems we who already wear the uniform are the only ones willing to do that.”

“So… what?” Varlendemanded sharply, a steel-like anger in his eyes. “I’m meant to just play nice? Bowand kiss their boots and fetch their wine so I don’t offend them with my existence? I’m not here toprove my worth to them, Dorian. Neither are you. I mean, you’re not even an elf, but I still heard the waythey…” He bit off the sentence and inhaled sharply through his nose, jaw clenched in frustration. “We all came here as part of theInquisition. As representatives of something bigger than all of… of this. That’s the only thing about us that should matter.”

“Well, yes. Of course,” Dorian agreed, and was surprised to find that he genuinely did. He reached out and placed his handover Varlen’s, not at all surprised by the fact that the elven man wastrembling. “Unfortunately, what should matterand what does matter are too oftenvery different things. Things hidden behind fancy velvet curtains because even thosewho take part in it realise it is unsightly. Here at Orlesian court, they call it TheGame. In the Imperium, it manifests as an ancient and archaic social order. No matter where you go, it is there, wearing a different name. None of it is right, of course. But whatabout this world really is?”

Silence stretched between them, cast like an invisibleshadow across the room. Then, slowly, as though coming to some sort of privateyet vital decision, Varlen shook his head.

“That’s… not good enough, Dorian. Not for me. Not for you…” Heswallowed and looked up. Met Dorian’s gaze with the fierce resolve of youthfulconviction. “Not for anyone.”

Dorian felt his mouthcurve into an almost proud smile. That look, so determined, so earnest… it suited Varlen. A little too well, if he was honest. It held init all the things Dorian had shied away from during his sheltered youth. All thethings he had ignored and turned his back on because it had not affected him. He was one of them. Selfish.Pampered. But in that moment, sittingon a half-made bed in a half-lit room, he felt like he could do something. He didn’t know what – not yet, at least – but the fire he needed was there, lit by a pair of bright blue eyes. Eyesthat refused to be ignored.

“You’re right, amatus…”Dorian said, the words forming slowly. Thoughtfully.Distracted, his mind churning, he squeezed Varlen’s hand, and Varlen returned the gesture with equal firmness,his trembling gone, replaced by quiet resolve. 

“… It isn’t.”